Action Game Tactics: Tanks, Dragons, Zombies and Bricks
By the GAME SPACE Editorial Team · Published October 3, 2026 · 7 min read
The action section mixes five very different games: a maze tank battle with a level editor, two side-scrolling shooters, a brick breaker and an ocean rampage. What they share is that movement and timing matter as much as attacking.
This guide starts with the habits that help in all five, then gives specific tactics for each game.
Habits that help in every action game
Keep moving: a stationary target is an easy one, whether you are a tank, a ranger or a shark. Know what you are fighting: each game has enemy or hazard types that behave differently, and dealing with the most dangerous first saves lives. Collect pickups when it is safe, not when it is desperate: bonuses are worth far more when you can use them well.
Tank Wars: protect the base first
Tank Wars is easy to treat as a hunt, but the real objective is your base at the bottom of the map. Enemies that slip past you will head for it. Position yourself between the enemy spawn points and the base, and use the brick walls as cover — but remember that both you and the enemy can shoot them away. Grab bonuses quickly: the timer freezes enemies, the bomb clears the screen and the base upgrade reinforces your defences.
When you finish the built-in levels, open the constructor. Designing your own maps is the best way to understand the game's tactics, and a great way to set challenges for friends.
Viking Escape: learn the goblins
Viking Escape has eight named enemy types, from goblin archers and bombers to cyclopes, shamans and hog riders, plus flying enemies and evil plants. Archers and bombers attack from a distance, so deal with them before they can fire. Keep the dragon moving up and down to dodge projectiles, and save your stronger weapon types for the toughest enemies. Bonus boxes restock ammunition and lives — pick them up whenever the screen is clear enough.
Ranger vs Zombies: time your magic
The ranger's three magic skills — firestorm, lightning and freezing ice — recharge over time, so the question is always when to use them. Save them for crowds and big zombies rather than single weak enemies. Use the double jump to escape when zombies close in from both sides, and keep an eye on your shotgun ammunition. Note that this game includes blood effects.
Brick Out: aim with the paddle
Brick Out's secret is that the paddle aims the ball: hitting it with the edge sends it at a sharp angle, while the centre sends it straight up. Use that to steer the ball into gaps at the side of the wall; once it gets above the bricks, it breaks many of them on its own. Be choosy about power-ups — catch extra balls, the wider paddle and the fireball, but avoid the smaller paddle and the speed-up if you are struggling.
Mad Shark: clear the path
Mad Shark is fast and loud, and the main threats are bombs and barrels in your path. Shoot them before you reach them instead of trying to swerve at the last moment. Save fireballs and super bombs for crowded stretches, and always collect life bonuses — they are the key to swimming further.
A twenty-minute practice plan
If you want to get better at action games quickly, try this routine:
- Five minutes of Brick Out, focusing only on using the paddle edges to aim the ball.
- Five minutes of Tank Wars, practising staying between the enemy spawn points and your base.
- Five minutes of Mad Shark, shooting every bomb and barrel before you reach it.
- Five minutes of Viking Escape or Ranger vs Zombies, deliberately saving special attacks for crowded moments.
Playing on phone, tablet or desktop
All five action games are built in landscape orientation, so turn your phone sideways or use a tablet. Brick Out and Mad Shark are easy to control by dragging on a touch screen. Tank Wars, Viking Escape and Ranger vs Zombies offer on-screen controls but also support the keyboard, which makes precise movement easier on desktop. Tank Wars, Viking Escape, Ranger vs Zombies and Brick Out save your progress or scores in your browser, so you can pick up where you left off on the same device.
Choosing the right action game
For a quick, non-violent game, choose Brick Out or Mad Shark. For tactics and long-term value, Tank Wars. For busy, enemy-packed action as an older player, Viking Escape or Ranger vs Zombies.
Frequently asked questions
Which action game has the most content? Tank Wars, thanks to its level constructor, followed by Brick Out's 20 layouts.
Which action games are suitable for children? Tank Wars, Brick Out and Mad Shark are non-graphic. Viking Escape has cartoon fantasy combat, and Ranger vs Zombies includes blood effects.
Are keyboard controls better? For Tank Wars, Viking Escape and Ranger vs Zombies, yes — precise movement is easier with keys. Brick Out and Mad Shark are easy to play by dragging on a touch screen.
